Question: My great-grandfather was in the U.S. Army and was awarded a medal 30 years after for his service in the 1870's. The medal has been lost, but if he was in the Indian Wars what did he receive?
Answer: I would imagine your ancestor received The Indian Campaign Medal for service between 1865-1891. This medal was established by the War Department per general orders of January 21, 1907. The medal can be seen online here in full detail: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/53/US_Army_52024_Indian_Wars_Service_Medal.jpg